Handicapped parking sign regulations overdue

Published 8:39 pm, Thursday, August 22, 2013

The city of Stamford needs to avoid another situation such as the case of Vito and Joann Santarsiero.

After the couple earlier this year applied for two handicapped parking signs outside their Albin Road home, Vito had to make numerous trips to the Government Center -- sadly ironic for someone requesting easier access to their vehicle due to a physical impairment -- before being denied.

The couple was told the rejection was because their home lacked an access ramp. This is strange, since this is not a requirement for a handicapped parking sign. In fact, the real heart of the problem here is the city has no formal policy for issuing these signs. And besides, the couple's Cove neighbors with handicapped signs don't have ramps either.

A contractor stepped up to help the couple build a ramp, and now, the city has agreed to give them one handicapped sign.

But what has taken so long?

Joann Santarsiero has arthritis and a degenerative disease that causes pain in her back, hips and knees. Due to the couple's narrow driveway, she has trouble exiting her car when it is parked there. Vito meanwhile has a pacemaker and stent for a heart condition.

The couple has clearly demonstrated their need for at least one handicapped parking sign. Why have they been made to jump through hoops to meet the arbitrary needs of city officials?

Just as homeowners who cannot comply with zoning regulations due to a particular hardship involving their property can apply for relief in the form of a variance, those who have demonstrated physical impairments should also be permitted the relief provided by handicapped parking signs.

Of course there needs to be clear requirements for the signs and an easy-to-follow application process. The process should be simple enough, but it's not, at least not yet.